11-Apr-2023 Mutant strains of Salmonella make infection more aggressive in commercial poultry, study shows Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication In Brazil, a group of researchers supported by FAPESP created mutant forms of Salmonella to understand the mechanisms that favor colonization of the intestinal tract of chickens by these pathogenic bacteria and find better ways to combat the infection they cause. Journal Scientific Reports Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
10-Apr-2023 Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil are using artificial intelligence (AI) and Twitter, one of the world’s largest social media platforms, to try to create anxiety and depression prediction models that could in future provide signs of these disorders before clinical diagnosis. Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
6-Apr-2023 Adolescents who use smartphones for more than three hours a day suffer more from back pain Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication The finding is from a longitudinal study conducted in Brazil. Analyzing data for high school students aged 13-18, it concluded that the problem affects girls more than boys and is associated with physical inactivity and low academic achievement. Journal Healthcare Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
5-Apr-2023 Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A lack of community involvement impairs fire control programs in the region known as MAP, between Madre de Dios (Peru), Acre (Brazil) and Pando (Bolivia). Journal International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
5-Apr-2023 Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Addition of rosmarinic acid at a mere 0.1% reduced the amount of sunscreen needed to protect the skin, increased the sun protection factor by more than 41% and combined photoprotection with antioxidant activity. The innovation would reduce the volume of chemical substances discharged into the environment. Journal Cosmetics Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
5-Apr-2023 Research on reptiles is strongly influenced by access to specimens Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A review of the literature shows that 15% of articles published between 1960 and 2021 focused on only ten species, while no articles at all were published on almost 40% of all species. Research efforts tend to be biased toward large-bodied animals and species native to wealthier countries, among other factors that should be taken into consideration when planning future studies, according to the authors. Journal Ecography Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
4-Apr-2023 Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication This conclusion, presented by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports, is based on a systematic review of clinical trials held to investigate the effect of strength training on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. All age groups benefited, but the positive effects were most evident in patients aged 50 or less. Journal Scientific Reports Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
3-Apr-2023 Non-invasive brain stimulation can regulate autonomic responses and improve oxygen saturation in hospitalized patients with Covid-19 D'Or Institute for Research and Education Peer-Reviewed Publication Among the health problems developed or aggravated by Covid-19, those that affect neurological and respiratory functions draw special attention from specialists. Considering several studies that show the adverse effects of Covid-19 on human autonomic functions, which are those regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), a recent Brazilian study has demonstrated that the use of non-invasive brain stimulation was capable of regulating the ANS and increasing the oxygen saturation in patients with Covid-19 admitted to a semi-intensive care unit. Journal Brain Stimulation
3-Apr-2023 Spike protein implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, Brazilian study finds Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB) Peer-Reviewed Publication A new study by Brazilian researchers has identified the Spike protein as a possible cause of late memory loss in patients diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The researchers also found that the TRL4 receptor, a protein in the immune system, could be a promising therapeutic target to treat the symptoms. Journal Cell Reports Funder Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Faperj), Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes)
30-Mar-2023 A paper-based sensor to detect pesticides in food quickly and cheaply Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A device developed at the University of São Paulo resembles the glucometer used by diabetics to measure blood sugar: when it comes into contact with the surface of a fruit or vegetable, it detects and quantifies any traces of carbendazim, a fungicide in widespread use in Brazil despite being banned. Journal Food Chemistry Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo